Flexible Sigmoidoscopy in Washington

You'll be asked to arrive at the endoscopy center 1 – 1.5 hours ahead of your flexible sigmoidoscopy procedure. This ensures you have adequate time to complete the necessary paperwork and prepare for the procedure. You'll be directed to put on a hospital gown. In most cases, an IV will not be started since, most of the time, sedation is not given for this exam. You might be connected to technology that will allow the provider and staff to monitor your heart rate, blood pressure, pulse, electrocardiogram, breathing, and oxygen level during and following the procedure.

Once in the exam room, you will be instructed to lie on your left on the exam table. The gastroenterologist will perform an exam of your rectum. The sigmoidoscope will then be gently placed into the rectum. The scope will be gently advanced throughout the sigmoid colon. A tiny bit of air is injected through the tube into the colon to help the provider see. Any fluid still in the colon following the preparation can be rinsed and removed through the scope. Depending on the results of the exam, several procedures can be performed during the exam, including biopsies, removal of polyps, and control of bleeding. At the end of the exam, as much air and remaining fluid as possible are removed from the colon via the scope. The test can take approximately 5 – 15 minutes, depending on the findings.

Since sedation is not typically necessary, you will be instructed to put your clothes back on and be discharged from the endoscopy center after the procedure is concluded. If sedation is not needed, you can drive and perform your usual activities. Most individuals can eat and drink regularly after discharge from the endoscopy center; however, personalized directions related to activity, eating, and medications will be given to you before discharge. After the exam, the nurse or specialist will review the exam results with you. You will also be sent home with a written report. You will be informed of any results from biopsies in 7 days or less.

In most cases, a sigmoidoscopy is quite a safe procedure. All in all, complications occur in less than 1% of cases. Typically, complications are minor, however, should a complication occur, it may necessitate hospitalization and surgery. Before the procedure, the staff will discuss a consent form with you. If any questions or concerns arise, these should be brought up to your specialist and discussed before the exam.

Bleeding can occur with biopsies and the removal of polyps. To reiterate, significant bleeding which might involve a blood transfusion or hospitalization is highly unusual. Still, bleeding has been known to happen at the time of the test or anytime within two weeks post-test if a polyp is removed.

Puncture or perforation of the large intestine can occur. This can be noticed at the time of the procedure, or it might not become apparent until a short time later. In the majority of cases, a perforation will require surgery and hospitalization. This is an unusual complication, even when polyps are excised. It is of the utmost importance that the patient consults with the provider's office immediately if symptoms arise after the exam, such as increased pain in the abdomen, bleeding, or fever.

As with any other test, a sigmoidoscopy is not always perfect. There is a slight, accepted chance that tissue abnormalities, including but not limited to cancer and polyps, can be overlooked during the procedure. It is of the utmost importance to maintain check-ups with your providers as advised and make them aware of any new or recurring symptoms. Please consult your Washington Gastroenterology specialist if you have any concerns or questions.